Congrats to the Lakers for winning the IST and props to Lebron for still being a beast 375 days away from 40 but the Lakers aren't a real contender out west unless the matchups/injuries really go their way. I think people forget last year that:
-They beat the Timberwolves in play in right after that Gobert/ slow-mo fight and Edwards was a shell of himself hurt
- They beat the Grizzlies without any size and Ja Morant being hurt
-They beat the Warriors who were clearly falling apart as shown now
-They were the only team the Nuggets swept
Not saying they can't be a WCF or Finals team again but things would really have to go their way.